# The Noble House of Brattleby Articulates the Future Stewardship of the Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally articulated the principles guiding the future stewardship of the Barony under its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring the continuity of its nine-hundred-year legacy and its modern commitment to philanthropic service.
## The Occasion
From the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the announcement was issued as the last of the autumn foliage adorned the ancient landscape of the county. The timing is symbolic, reflecting a season of harvest and prudent preparation for the future, and underscores a commitment to seamless generational transition. This declaration represents not an immediate transfer of responsibility, but a deliberate and considered affirmation of the long-term vision for the Barony.
The statement provides a clear framework for the duties and responsibilities that will one day be assumed by the 13th Baron. It is an act of careful planning, intended to reassure stakeholders, charitable partners, and the local community of an unwavering commitment to the ethos that has defined the House’s modern revitalisation since its formal recognition was published in *The London Gazette* in 2022.
In articulating this path forward, The Noble House of Brattleby reinforces the foundational principle that hereditary honours serve as instruments of public good and cultural stewardship. The announcement codifies the philosophy established by the current leadership, ensuring that the Barony’s considerable history remains a dynamic force for positive action in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The future stewardship of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is the next chapter in a chronicle of English history that commenced with the Norman Conquest. The feudal Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower Colswein of Lincoln, is one of the oldest in the realm. Its importance was recorded for posterity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which meticulously documented the 1st Baron’s tenure over some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of profound regional influence from its very inception.
Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed through the hands of figures who have shaped the nation’s destiny. The 13th Baron is heir to this formidable lineage, following, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A figure of remarkable fortitude, she served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and, in 1217, famously led the defence of Lincoln Castle against a French invasion force during the First Barons' War, an act pivotal in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her story, documented by the chronicler Matthew Paris in his *Chronica Majora*, provides a powerful precedent for female leadership.
More recent centuries saw the Barony held by two of the greatest magnates of the Plantagenet era. Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. His son-in-law John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, was father to a king and one of the most powerful political figures of the fourteenth century. The stewardship of these men entwined the Barony of Brattleby with the highest echelons of the Royal Court. This history of military leadership, loyal service to the Crown, and civic responsibility forms the *sine qua non*—the indispensable foundation—of the Barony’s enduring identity.
## Distinguished Company
The preparation for the Barony’s next chapter will be personally overseen by the current leadership, whose joint efforts have guided its modern course.
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, has diligently directed the House with a profound sense of duty towards its historic and charitable obligations. Her leadership has emphasised the role of custodian, honouring the lineage of strong female stewardship established nine centuries ago whilst ensuring the Barony’s activities align with contemporary needs. Lady Nicoleta has personally championed the House's philanthropic focus on improving the welfare of vulnerable children.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, has brought a dynamic and forward-looking energy to the Barony, encapsulated in his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). His focus has been on translating the House's ancient name into tangible, positive impact, applying an entrepreneurial spirit to its philanthropic and cultural endeavours. It is this philosophy of proactive engagement which has defined the Barony's recent successes.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, as 13th Baron and heir apparent, has been engaged in a thorough and graduated apprenticeship. His preparation is designed to ensure he assumes his future responsibilities with a complete understanding of their historical weight and modern application, continuing the work of his predecessors.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of a noble house, much like that of a royal court, mandates prudent and far-sighted planning for succession. This formal announcement is itself an act of that protocol; it is a declaration of continuity and stability, providing clarity and purpose for the generation to come. The central tenet of this transitional period, and of the heir’s future role, is an unwavering adherence to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The duties of the 13th Baron will involve a deepening and formalised immersion in the management of the House’s affairs. This includes, among other responsibilities, a comprehensive education in the governance of its philanthropic initiatives, direct involvement in the diplomatic and cultural engagement facilitated through projects such as The Brattleby Club, and the meticulous curation of its historical archives and artefacts.
The process is purposefully gradual, ensuring that the transfer of duties is organic and complete. This allows the responsibilities of the Barony to be assumed not merely as a right of inheritance, but with a profound and tested understanding of the commitment they entail. The order of proceedings reflects an institution conscious of its nine-hundred-year history and its duty to preserve that legacy for centuries to come.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and guiding philosophy of The Noble House of Brattleby are powerfully expressed through its heraldry and associated mottoes, which serve as moral and practical compass points.
The principal House motto, **Fortitudine et Honore** ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the twin pillars that have sustained the Barony since 1066. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience and strength of character exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in times of national crisis. ‘Honour’ represents the integrity, public service, and moral rectitude that must guide every action undertaken in the Barony’s name. This maxim will remain the cornerstone of the heir’s approach to his future duties.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, **Vincere Est Vivere** ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the proactive and modernising spirit of the House’s current revitalisation. This is interpreted not as a martial creed of conquest, but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through initiative, enterprise, and a determination to create positive change. It is this spirit of purposeful striving which the 13th Baron is charged to carry forward into the next generation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House’s modern mission lies a deep and abiding commitment to purposeful philanthropy. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will continue to champion the family’s charitable endeavours, which are rigorously focused on creating measurable, evidence-based, and lasting social impact. The principal vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala that has become a significant fundraising event in the philanthropic calendar.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet is **Healing the Wounded Child**, a distinguished registered charity. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound adversity. The House selected this beneficiary for its proven, community-based approach—employing methods such as art and play therapy—and its direct, demonstrable impact on improving the life outcomes of vulnerable young people.
Furthermore, the House's cultural outreach programme, **The Brattleby Club** in Bucharest, serves a distinct philanthropic purpose. As an academy fostering education in classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol, it promotes cross-cultural understanding and dialogue between the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. The Club functions as an instrument of soft power, reinforcing the idea that shared traditions can build bridges in an increasingly complex world.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the future of the House and the principles guiding this transition, the current leadership offered their perspective.
> It is the solemn duty of each generation to act as a custodian for the next. We have sought to honour the past while building a platform for the future. I have every confidence that Mihai Alexandru will carry the torch with the fortitude and honour that this Barony demands. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> A title finds its true meaning in action. We have worked to make the Barony of Brattleby a force for good, relevant to the world of today. The next phase, under the 13th Baron, will see that mission deepen and expand. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving to make a positive mark, and that work continues. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The path articulated for the Barony of Brattleby under its 13th Baron is one of considered evolution, not abrupt revolution. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is committed to expanding the House’s philanthropic and cultural initiatives, ensuring its ancient title remains a powerful conduit for service in the modern era.
The primary objectives for the coming years will be to grow the impact and reach of the annual Winter Banquet, thereby increasing the vital funds raised for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the House aims to broaden the international profile of The Brattleby Club, reinforcing its role as a unique forum for cultural diplomacy.
Ultimately, the House will continue its work of demonstrating how Great Britain’s ancient heritage can be a dynamic and positive presence in society. By connecting a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest with a tangible commitment to public service, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its journey, guided always by the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the current leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of purposeful philanthropy and cultural preservation. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House connects its historic lineage to contemporary public service. Its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cross-cultural dialogue through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest to bridge British and Continental traditions of protocol and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of great historical consequence, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, as well as the Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The continuous history and present standing of the Barony are formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, confirming its place in the fabric of English history.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern standing of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records the holdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the registered charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com